LONG ISLAND – Sharon Gay “Shanny” Marr passed away peacefully at home on Long Island after a long battle with C.O.P.D. and diabetes at the age of 81. She is survived by her husband, Thomas Marr of Long Island Casco Bay.

Sharon was born in Portland on Jan. 12, 1941 to the late Milton and Byantha Doughty of Long Island. She attended Portland schools and graduated from Portland High School in 1958. Sharon attended Springvale College for one year before returning to Long Island. She was employed by Geo. C. Shaw Co. for 10 years, working in their office on Congress Street in Portland. In 1962 Sharon married Thomas Marr.

In 1972, Sharon and Tom moved to Windham, where she worked in Miller’s Greenhouse as a grower and florist for many years. In 1986 they returned to Long Island and Sharon started a successful crabmeat business. She also worked alongside Tom in his lobster boat. Sharon would wear eyeliner, makeup and beads with her oilskins. Quite a sight! She started a catering business that worked with her flower business.

Sharon became a lay speaker for the Methodist Church and a Notary Public. Now, she could marry people and do memorial services, for which she was known. Sharon always wanted to help people who needed help. In 1995, she got her chance. She applied for and received approval for non-profit status and thus, the Changing Tide Foundation was born. The Foundation serves the people on the Islands in Casco Bay. Sharon was a director for 27 years and was proud of the accomplishments the Tide had done for people.

Sharon was also godmother to eight children. She was a remarkable woman, and she will be missed.

There will be a graveside service at Pine Grove Cemetery in Falmouth at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 9, 2022. A Celebration of Sharon’s Life will be held at a later date on the Island.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Maine for their wonderful support.

Arrangements entrusted to Hobbs Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.hobbsfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers,

donations may be made to:

Changing Tide Foundation

P.O. Box 279

Long Island, ME 04050